Hundreds of kids spending their after-school time at the Preston Taylor Boys & Girls Club in Nashville, Tenn., on August 8 were surprised with a performance of hit songs from country music star Hunter Hayes. The surprise concert helped to launch Lowe's and Boys & Girls Clubs of America's new in-store donation program and Lowe's Renovation Across the Nation, an annual $2.5 million initiative where Lowe's gives a $50,000 grant and hands-on support from employee volunteers to one Boys & Girls Club in each of the 50 states to refurbish the facility. This year, customers can join the cause by donating at any Lowe's store nationwide, now through September 5, 2017.

Hayes took center stage at the Preston Taylor Boys & Girls Club's music studio newly renovated by Lowe's and designed for Club members to engage in musical expression and inspire a passion for the arts. Lowe's is also granting Renovation Across the Nation funds and providing volunteers to help open a newly created music studio this fall at the Cleveland Park Club, also located in Nashville. Both music studios include a stage, recording booths, DJ platform and premium equipment, similar to popular recording studios nearby in Nashville and nationwide.

"I'm thrilled that the kids at Nashville area Boys & Girls Clubs will have access to these state-of-the-art recording studios, as I know firsthand the positive impact music plays on a young mind," said Hayes. "From childhood to now, music, for me, has always been a platform for self-expression and inspiration to explore creative talents. Being a part of this partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Lowe's is important to me, because I know creating a safe environment that allows kids and teens to discover their passions and grow will have a significant impact on their future success."

Now in its second year, Renovation Across the Nation, the largest Club renovation initiative ever undertaken by Lowe's and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, will bring renovations to 50 additional Clubs, one in each state. By the end of 2017, the initiative will have reached 100 Clubs with $5 million worth of renovations ranging from critical infrastructure upgrades to newly updated spaces for specific programming such as arts or sports, to lounge areas designed to help Clubs expand their teen membership.

"Lowe's first teamed up with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2009 to improve Clubs across the country, knowing that youth are critical to the long-term health of our communities," said James Frison, Lowe's director of community relations. "With Renovation Across the Nation and our new in-store customer donation program, we're taking our partnership to a new level by engaging customers who shop our stores and more than 1,000 Lowe's employee volunteers nationwide to ensure teens and kids have a safe and inspiring place to go after school."

Nearly four million youth in America, ages 6-18, spend out-of-school time at Boys & Girls Clubs, where they receive support and encouragement to reach their full potential. With the renewal of this $2.5 million grant from Lowe's, Boys & Girls Clubs of America can continue to further enhance Club offerings and provide additional support for at-risk teens and children nationwide.

"Within the walls of every Boys & Girls Club, our dedicated staff and volunteers drive academic success, build good character, and influence health and wellness for our Club members to stay on the path to a great future," said Jim Clark, president and chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "Our partnership with Lowe's holistically impacts Clubs by addressing areas needing improvements while combining the skills and dedication of Lowe's Heroes employee volunteers. Together we're leaving a lasting mark on America's youth, our Clubs, and our local communities."

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